Best for value

1. GARMIN NUVI 1310

Verdict It’s just 15mm thick, it tells you road names, the lane assist reduces stress and the Bluetooth works seamlessly. We’d have liked live traffic updates and European maps, but it’s hard to fault for the price.

Best for saving fuel

3. VEXIA ECONAV 480

Verdict Handsome design, and it’ll advise you on your car’s optimal speed, gear changes, etc, to reduce fuel consumption. Great if you can tolerate the nagging, but expensive for only average GPS navigation. ★★★★★

Best for all-round performance

5. TOMTOM GO LIVE 820 UK

Verdict Out next month, this is good at everything. The HD Traffi c live updates and route changes are fast and reliable, handsfree calling is impressive, it has the clearest graphics and idiot-proof controls, and it costs less than most mid-priced units. ★★★★★